Czech carmaker Skoda Auto has stated that its entry level sedan which is currently being showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the concept vehicle MissionL, would be launched in India towards the end of 2011, even before it is launched in Europe and China. Skoda is considering launching the small car in India based on Volkswagen’s ‘UP!’ platform.
According to Mr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman, Skoda Auto, the company has high hopes from the MissionL entry-level sedan for the India market, as the company feels that India is an important but challenging market for them. The company wants to grow its share in the Indian market to at least 3%.
The MissionL shares its platform and powertrain with Volkswagen’s Vento, which was launched in India last year (2010). The Vento which is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre diesel engine comes with a price tag between Rs. 7,00,000 to Rs. 9,50,000. The new Skoda sedan is expected to cost less than the Volkswagen Vento.
The company also has plans to develop and showcase a concept for a small city car at the Geneva motor show in 2012.
